With Authentic Looks Of The Past (NAPSA)—Wallpapers that simulate antique textiles, aged wrought iron, tin ceilings and whitewashed walls enchant American home decorators. Interior designer Kathleen Saterbak, K.D.’s Studio/Interiors, Edina, Minn., attributes the trend partly to increased travel options for young people combined with a desire to achieve a comfort zone as a buffer to uncertain times. Her 30-something clients have traveled abroad since college. In Europe, they came to love generations-old faded, worn fabrics and furniture in homes, bed and breakfasts, hostels and hotels. Increasingly, they ask her to incorporate inherited pieces into their homedecor.“I just love some of my grandmother’s things,” one recently told Saterbak. A wallpaper collection such as Restoration from Gramercy includes patterns such as Rococo Brocade, which capture the charm of antique textiles to complement vintage pieces and set a warm and welcome mood. Victorian Ceiling Tile is vividly reminiscent of a period tin roof. Both Saterbak and New Yorkbased designer John Buscarello, A.S.1.D., suggest that whether real or faux, the old be mixed with other things. “We live at a time in which we are comfortable surrounded by disparate design elements. To our eyes, eclectic pieces look well together. You don’t want everything in a room to be aged. That effect tends to be dreary,” says Buscarello. “The color family you select is also important. If you’ve used a warm colored wallpaper—such as red or chocolate—accent it with contrasting bright silk lamps or artwork,” he adds. = ey ae Create an elegant jewel box effect by wrapping your dining room in patterns touched by the romanceof the past. Rococo Bro- cade wallpaper is topped by a simulated tin ceiling—Victorian Ceiling Tile—from the new Gramercy Restoration collection. Brocade Frieze Border is as vividly realistic, imitating intricate plaster from a grand home. “While a wallpaper pattern can bring a feeling of history, and a soothing sense of permanence, addsolid throw-pillows, in a surprise color, to enhance the space,” he suggests. Similarly, Saterbak is finding that many of her clients no longer seek perfectly refinished pieces. Instead, they want the new to look old. Some even learn to paint and distress woodto create distinctive accent side tables and chests. Similarly with wallpaper. The worn paint effect of the simulated wood on Spindle Border has the typical look of age. Also from the Restoration collection, it stands an impressive 27-inches high. For more information, about Gramercy, call 1-800-332-3384.
